By Samuel Luka
A lecturer at the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Maidawa, has called on parents, teachers and society to shield children from drugs, violence and negative influences by promoting moral and religious values.
Speaking on Saturday at the 4th Speech and Prize Giving Day of Success International School, Wuntin Dada, Bauchi, Dr. Maidawa identified excessive use of phones and social media, drug abuse, peer pressure, poor parental supervision, indiscipline and economic hardship as the major threats facing children today.
Delivering a keynote on “The Role of Teachers, Parents, and Society Towards Child Upbringing,” he said parents remain the first teachers of every child.
“Every child is a gift from God and the hope of every family and nation. Parents must provide love, care and protection, and teach honesty, respect and discipline,” he said. “Children learn more from what they see than what they are told.”
To address the challenges, Dr. Maidawa recommended regular PTA meetings, dedicated parent-child time, committed teaching, and stronger societal support for schools, with emphasis on reading, respect for elders and hard work.
“The responsibility belongs to all of us. Parents lay the foundation, teachers build on it, and society provides the environment,” he stated. “When we work together, children become responsible, disciplined and patriotic citizens.”
He also described teachers as second parents whose duty extends beyond the classroom.
“A good teacher prepares lessons well, treats every student fairly, discovers talents, and inspires students to succeed in life, not just in examinations,” he added.
Dr. Maidawa further charged religious leaders, traditional rulers, neighbours and government to create a safe environment for children, citing the African proverb: “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”
Earlier, the Director and Proprietor of Success International School, Malam Bala Hassan, said the school started on Sept. 20, 2004 as a Success Learning Center with 91 pupils. It has since grown into a full nursery, primary and secondary school serving about 200 pupils and students.
According to him, the school moved in 2013 from a temporary site to its permanent location on Jos Road, Bauchi, and was renamed to reflect a broader mission. It is fully approved by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education.
Malam Hassan said since 2004 the school has graduated about 18 sets totaling 135 pupils, many of whom are now in universities and various professions. Some graduates have formed an alumni association to support the school. The school currently runs three departments with over 10 teaching and non-teaching staff.
He thanked God for sustaining the school and disclosed that plans for additional branches are ongoing.
Highlights of the event included quiz, debate competitions and presentation of prizes to outstanding pupils. The ceremony was attended by parents, teachers, management, community leaders and students.
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